Robert Oxton Bolt Quotes

You understand my position, sir, there's nothing I can do; I'm a plain, simple man and just want to keep out of trouble.
Oh, Sweet Jesus! These plain, simple men!

Robert Oxton Bolt

Have patience, Margaret, and trouble not thyself. Death comes for us all; even at our birth even at our birth, death does but stand aside a little. And every day he looks toward us and muses somewhat to himself whether that day or he next he will draw nigh. It is the law of nature, and the will of God. You have long known the secrets of my heart.

Robert Oxton Bolt

When a man takes an oath, Meg, he's holding his own self in his own hands. Like water. And if he opens his fingers then he needn't hope to find himself again.

Robert Oxton Bolt

You want me to swear to the Act of Succession?
"God more regards the thoughts of the heart than the words of the mouth." Or so you've always told me.
Yes.
Then say the words of the oath and in your heart think otherwise.
What is an oath then but words we say to God?

Robert Oxton Bolt

You don't seem to appreciate the seriousness of your position.
I defy anyone to live in that cell for a year and not appreciate the seriousness of his position.
Yet the State has harsher punishments.
You threaten like a dockside bully.
How should I threaten?
Like a Minister of State, with justice!
Oh, justice is what you're threatened with.
Then I'm not threatened.

Robert Oxton Bolt

I will not take the oath. I will not tell you why I will not.
Then your reasons must be treasonable!
Not "must be;" may be.
It's a fair assumption!
The law requires more than an assumption; the law requires a fact.

Robert Oxton Bolt

You brought yourself to where you are now.
Yes. still, in another sense i was brought.

Robert Oxton Bolt

This was not practical; this was moral!
Oh, now I understand you, Will. Morality's not practical. Morality's a gesture. A complicated gesture learned from books.